East Elementary School
August 6, 2009
Dear Parents:
I am so excited about having your child in my homeroom this
year. I expect a great deal from my students; however, no more
than can be accomplished in order for us to cover the Alabama
State Course of Study. I encourage you to support this endeavor,
so your child will learn and succeed. I will do my best to ensure
that your child improves this year and develops a passion for all
curriculum taught in fifth grade.
Because fifth grade is self-contained, I prepare and teach 6
subjects daily. It is impossible for me to contact parents every
time their child does not complete their homework or makes a low
grade on a test; therefore, I will send home all tests papers to
be signed. It is their responsibility to deliver them to you.
Please sign all papers and return immediately; this is
an excellent communication tool between teacher, parent, and
student. By signing the tests, you are aware of your child's
progress in class. I will also contact you at midterm, when I
send home a progress report. This report must be signed and
returned the next day as well. The same procedure also
follows at the end of the 6 weeks, when report cards are sent
home. If you have questions about your child's progress, please
send a note or e-mail me; I will reply.
I encourage your child to be in class daily. Should an
illness or an emergency occur, your child would have adequate
time upon returning to make up any missed assignments. It is the
students' responsibility to find out what was missed, and they
are to make arrangements to complete the work or take the test.
Materials should be brought to class daily: textbooks,
completed assignments, red pens, pencils, notebooks, and AR books
(to be read upon completion of class work and after tests). Late
assignments or papers will not be accepted. They must also put
their first and last name on all papers. I remind the students to
put their names on their papers each time an assignment or test
is given out and before it is taken up. These expectations are
to help foster responsibility, to promote a more pleasant
classroom environment, and to have ample time to incorporate all
subject matter within our daily time frame.
The curriculum in all fifth grade classes is quite
diversified and comprehensive. We will use the adopted textbooks
and workbooks, along with outside information to enhance each
unit. Each student is responsible for keeping up with his/her
materials and individual grades; this is essential for success in
fifth grade.
Within the individual core classes, there are standard rules
that apply daily. Notes, worksheets, vocabulary terms, and class
discussions are essential to promote success and to reinforce the
individual concepts taught daily. To be successful in all
curricular courses, your child must start studying the day that a
new unit has been assigned. Please go over any notes
with your child, so they will understand the information and
retain it for tests. My tests are not only objective but may be
subjective as well. Daily assignments may be given and graded in
class; therefore, failure to complete assignments will result in
lowering their final grade. For example, if 25 questions are
given on a particular day, that assignment is worth 25 points.
If the student only completes 13 problems, he/she receives 13 out
of 25 points on that daily assignment. Pop tests and worksheets
are worth 50-100 points. Weekly quizzes may also be given; these
are worth 100-200 points. Final chapter tests and unit tests are
worth 200 points; these are a major part of their grade.
Throughout the year, especially in Social Studies and Science,
projects and lab will be assigned; this helps to develop
cooperative learning amongst students. Projects are worth 200
points and lab 100 points.
There are specific standards that need to be met in Math,
Reading, English, Social Studies, and Science.
Math students should have mastered facts in addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. Knowing their facts is crucial for
success in math. Practicing daily increases knowledge and skill;
thus, the potential for excellence is enhanced.
Reading/Vocabulary/Spelling--the ARI reading program will be used
throughout the year along with the Voyager Program and the
Comprehension Tool Kit for strategic practice. Different skills
will be incorporated to enhance the ARI reading program.
Vocaulary tests, the vocabulary workbook, novel tests, AR tests,
and projects are all a part of their grade. Each terms, the
computerized program (STAR) will be given to identify your
child's reading level. The STAR test will then zone and assist
in choosing books that are within their reading level. Upon
completion of their AR book, they will then take the AR test.
Students will read two AR books within the six-week period. This
represents 200 points of their reading grade. We will also read
a novel together in class within the six-week period as
well. Your child is responsible for recording and keeping up with
his/her record; this is available on the computer in the
classroom. They should benchmark one novel every three
weeks.
English the adopted textbook, skills worksheets, extensive notes,
literature, and writing are essential requirements of the
Language Art's program. Short stories, poetry, and different
styles of writing will be assigned throughout the year to broaden
their education and amplify their appreciation of literature.
Various forms of writing will also be introduced throughout the
year.
Science and Social Studies the adopted textbook, skills
worksheets, projects, outside resources, and notes. Time
management is crucial....study daily.
Students have ample time to study for tests, work on
projects, and engage in the diversified materials to be
successful in every subject. Everything that we do in class is
necessary for a favorable outcome on graded materials.
I do not give assignments just to keep them busy; assignments are
given to augment and heighten their skills in that particular
subject.
Should you ever have a question, concern, or comment,
please let me know. Open communication is essential for all of
us to have a successful year. You are essential to your child's
success, not only in school life, but life in general. My goal
is to maximize your child's learning, and I will put forth every
effort to accomplish our mutual goals. With a good attitude and a
lot of effort, your child will have an extremely enjoyable and
productive fifth grade year.
You may contact me through the office, and they can set up
an appointment. You may also send a note by your child or e-mail
me; I will reply as quickly as possible. I truly appreciate your
cooperation and support. Let us all work together and have an
incredible year.
Sincerely,
Marie U. Apel
Marie U. Apel
Fifh Grade Teacher
Please complete and return to Mrs. Apel.
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Students Signature Parents
Signature Date
